Sonoco’s EnviroCan® with Metal Bottom Earns How2Recycle® Pre-Qualification, Boosting Sustainable Packaging Efforts
Sonoco Products Company (NYSE: SON), a global leader in sustainable packaging, has achieved a significant milestone in its commitment to environmentally responsible solutions. The company’s EnviroCan® with Metal Bottom has received pre-qualification for the How2Recycle® ‘Check Locally’ label, reinforcing Sonoco’s leadership in circular packaging innovation.
The EnviroCan® paper container is made from 100% recycled fiber, with 90% derived from post-consumer materials, making it a smart balance between sustainable sourcing and food safety. Meanwhile, the metal bottom end, crafted from steel, enhances recyclability, as steel is one of the most commonly recycled materials globally.
The How2Recycle® label provides clear, standardized recycling guidance, helping consumers make informed decisions about waste disposal. This pre-qualification further underscores Sonoco’s dedication to developing sustainable packaging that aligns with evolving consumer and brand owner expectations.
Advancing Circular Packaging
“Securing the pre-qualification for the EnviroCan Metal Bottom is the result of years of data collection and collaboration with recyclers,” said Sabrina Dixon-Ridges, Director of Global Operational Sustainability at Sonoco.
Scott Byrne, Vice President of Global Sustainability at Sonoco, emphasized that the achievement reflects a significant step forward: “The How2Recycle pre-qualification ensures that the EnviroCan solution meets customers’ performance needs while delivering measurable sustainability improvements. It’s a smart, reliable choice for brands aiming to achieve their sustainability goals and drive the circular economy.”
Lowering Environmental Impact
A Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) commissioned by Sonoco found that recycling a paper container with a steel bottom has a 23.5% lower global warming potential compared to sending steel to landfills. The reduction is primarily due to decreased demand for new iron ore mining, as more than 80% of steel products are produced from recycled materials.
How2Recycle® is North America’s leading standardized recycling label system, ensuring that consumers receive consistent and transparent recycling information across various packaging formats.
Paul Nowak, Executive Director of GreenBlue, the nonprofit behind How2Recycle, praised Sonoco’s efforts: “We’re always proud to see How2Recycle members achieve meaningful upgrades to packaging recyclability. Sonoco’s work ensures that both the packaging’s recyclability and disposal instructions are clear and beneficial to consumers.”
A Future of Smarter, Greener Packaging
As sustainability continues to be a major focus in the packaging industry, Sonoco’s EnviroCan® with Metal Bottom represents a significant stride toward a more circular economy. By prioritizing recycled materials and clear consumer guidance, Sonoco reinforces its position as an innovator in sustainable packaging solutions.
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